An ambiguous term that emerged in the nineteenth century in particular theological academic context used for a delineation of Christendom and other religions. Later, the term was employed for other biblical or scriptural religions in opposition to so-called primitive local religions. Currently, the term is used for (1) living religions, (2) major religions with some missionary aims, and (3) religions with a universal appeal transcending particular local and ethnic settings.
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© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
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Cigán, J. (2013). World Religions. In: Runehov, A.L.C., Oviedo, L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_200010
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_200010
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